Recently docked after a voyage abroad, Emmett wants only to find a warm bed and good food, for himself and the cabin boy he's taken into his care. Those plans are impeded, however, by an altercation in the streets -- with a man he realizes too late is England's heir to the throne, Prince Andrewe.<br><br>When the encounter unexpectedly leads to a position in the royal household attending the prince, Emmett is not certain what to think. On one hand, it's a reliable income and ensures the safety of his charge. On the other, it's neither the life Emmett knows, nor an environment that he's comfortable in. Left to learn his lessons the hard way, Emmett spends his days contending with a spoiled, infuriating prince who leaves him in a constant tangle of emotions.<br><br>Then he begins to hear whispers of treason and must make a choice: defend Prince Andrewe or betray him.

Honour

“But I can’t make it sink, can I, Andrewe? You don’t feel the need to listen to an old man like myself, do you? So you leave me no choice but to show you that every decision you make has the potential to affect one, another, or all of our subjects.” The room became silent; Emmett shifted on his knees and closed his eyes.


“Please, your Majesty.” Emmett tried one last time. “There is something I need to discuss of utmost importance. I have no doubt that it may even have bearing on the attempt made against the Prince.”


King Richard sighed and Emmett heard the whisper of cloth as skirts were shuffled by movement. Sweet perfume surrounded him and though Emmett didn’t lift his head, he knew it was the queen when someone leaned over him.


“Thank you for saving my son,” she whispered into his ear.


A rise, eleven light footfalls, twelve other smaller ones as the queen’s handmaid followed her, and the latch, swing, and close of a door followed.


Chapter 18